Spark (Heat #2)(4)

As the elevator dings and the doors fly open, I step off. I hear voices immediately. I walk quickly down the corridor, hoping that I haven't missed anything important. I stop once I reach Tyler's apartment, the door completely ajar.

The space is packed with people. From the looks of it, every person who worked at the restaurant is here. I recognize most faces but there are a few that I can't place. The one face I'm desperate to see must be lost somewhere in the crowd. I can't even hear the sound of Tyler's deep voice.

I wait patiently as people move into the apartment at a snail's pace. I should have arranged for this to be at my place. The living room there is twice the size of this.

I admit the thought did cross my mind but it felt like too much. I didn't want Tyler jumping to the conclusion that I was making decisions for him. He only asked me to contact his employees to get them here. I did that.

"I want to thank everyone for coming."

I edge up to my tiptoes. Usually that gives me an advantage when it comes to seeing beyond a group of people. Today it does nothing. I'm not wearing heels. I opted for sandals to go with the sundress I put on this morning. I can't see anything but the backs of a few heads. I push my way forward and thankfully, there's an opening that I snake through until I spot Tyler.

He's standing with his back to the window. People are seated on the furniture, while others have taken a place next to him. He's wearing a white dress shirt and black pants. He's also freshly shaved and showered. He looks more in control than he has for the past few days.

"I know you're all just as devastated by the fire as I am," he begins, "I'm grateful that no one was injured."

Everyone listens in silence as he continues, "I haven't doubted for a minute what our next step will be. We're going to get Nova up and running as soon as we can."

There's an audible collective sigh of relief. People start whispering to one another before Tyler darts his hand in the air again to hush them.

"Hunter and I are currently scouting available spaces." His eyes scan the crowd, skimming right past me. "Until then, your wages will be covered."

"What?" An unfamiliar man's voice bellows from behind me. "We're going to be paid even though we're not working?"

I turn to see if I can find the person who just asked the question, but it's pointless. There are even more people in the room than when I first arrived.

"The Nova team is the best I've ever worked with." Tyler's voice cracks as his hand runs through his hair. I instantly notice the bandage is gone. "I won't lose any of you. You'll be paid bi-weekly for the next two months. I know it's not a lot of time, but I'm determined to have Nova open again by then."

Someone starts applauding, and although it doesn't envelope the entire room a few people join in, me included.

"Once we've secured a new space for Nova, I'll need you all back full-time to help with set-up and prep. I'll send you updates via group text twice a week. I want us in touch."

"We're going to make new Nova better than the old one." Maribel moves from where she was sitting to stand next to Tyler. "We'll all do whatever it takes."

Tyler rests his hand on her shoulder. "If any of you need a thing you have my number. I'm here for you, day or night. Don't hesitate to call me."

Maribel turns to embrace him. Drea falls in step behind her taking her opportunity to hug Tyler, before virtually every single person in the room lines up to do the same thing.

***

"Do you want to come by for dinner, Chef?" Maribel adjusts the strap of her purse over her forearm. "I'm cooking my famous fried chicken tonight. My husband says it's the best he's ever tasted."

"I appreciate the invitation." Tyler pats her on the upper back. "Can I get a rain check?"

"Have you eaten yet today?" She cocks her head to the side. "I know you're dealing with a boatload of stuff right now. Let me take care of you tonight. My family would love to see you."

He turns toward where I'm standing a few feet from him. I haven't crowded him because I know that my chance to thank him for keeping me on staff will come later when we're alone. I'm itching for everyone to leave. Thankfully, only Maribel and a few others are still here.

"I'm actually cooking for Cadence tonight." His eyes linger on my face even though he's still talking to Maribel.

"You mean the luckiest girl in the world?" She takes a step forward, her attention shifting from Tyler to me. "You do know how lucky you are, don't you, Den?"

My gaze darts between her and Tyler, before I settle on his eyes. "I do know how lucky I am."

"I'm the lucky one." Tyler's voice lowers. "I'm the luckiest man in Manhattan."





CHAPTER 4


"You're not hungry, are you?" he asks in a rasp.

Maribel had convinced the last three employees who were still here to leave with her. With her promise of a home-cooked meal and a board game with her family, they eagerly followed her out the door.

The trio of women that's going to spend the evening at her apartment are all single. I know because they've invited me to join them a few times when they were planning their infamous 'girls' night of fun'.